Abgesang

noun

Ab·​ge·​sang ˈäp-gə-ˌzäng 

: the concluding section in musical and poetic bar form compare stollen entry 1

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Abgesang, from ab- "down, from" (going back to Old High German ab, aba, preposition) + Gesang "song, singing," going back to Middle High German gesanc, from ge-, collective prefix (going back to Old High German ge-, ga-) + sanc "song, singing," going back to Old High German

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now